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    Home » Sauces, Toppings, Dips and Dressings

    Jun 21, 2020 · Modified: Jul 15, 2022 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Fresh Pesto

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Bright, fresh and full of basil, this pesto is different than most thanks to a cup of spinach and a few leaves of fresh mint. Pesto is one of the easiest things you can make from scratch and the results are always delicious! I think you will agree, this pesto brings out the best in any pasta, pizza crust or as a topping for a slice of crusty bread. It's easy to make in the food processor and is ready to serve in minutes.

    Pesto sauce in spoon over a bowl of pesto
    Look at that bright green pesto! Spinach helps boost the color of fresh pesto.

    Ingredients to have on hand

    • fresh spinach
    • fresh basil
    • fresh mint
    • pine nuts
    • parmesan cheese
    Basil, mint and spinach with garlic and pine nuts and parmesan on a cutting board.
    So much green, so much BIG flavor.

    Top Tips and FAQ

    Do I need a food processor to make fresh pesto?

    It sure helps. I think it's the best way to create that perfect texture and that familiar consistency of pesto.

    In a pinch, it's possible to simply chop the ingredients really, really fine and combine with the olive oil. The end result will be more "clumpy" but the flavor will still be delicious.

    How do I store fresh pesto?

    Store your pesto in a covered container in the refrigerator, enjoy it within 3 days. As an option you can also freeze pesto for about 6 months. Use any freezer safe container.

    Pesto ingredients before blending
    This pesto is so easy to make, just toss the ingredients into the bowl of your food processor.

    So Easy to Make

    I think what you'll love the most about this fresh basil and mint pesto is how easy it is to prepare. Often when we consider scratch-made sauces it's easy to immediately assume they will be complicated and time consuming.

    But fresh pesto couldn't be easier and it's ready in under 20 minutes.

    It's a wonderful way to use fresh basil and mint from your herb garden too. This is a great way to make the most of an abundant basil harvest.

    Basil, spinach and all recipe ingredients in a food processor bowl
    Pulse and chop until you get just the right consistency.

    Substitute for Pine Nuts

    Pine nuts are definitely on the spendy side, but fortunately, this recipe only needs ⅓ cup of the pricey little gems. I usually buy about two cups worth of pine nuts at a time and keep them in the freezer until I'm ready to make this recipe.

    It doesn't make them any less expensive but that way I only deal with the sticker shock once in a while.

    Many store-bought pesto sauces include walnuts with the pine nuts so that is a nice option too, though adding or substituting walnuts does adjust the taste.

    I recommend unsalted cashews as the best substitute for pine nuts.

    Pesto ingredients after being chopped in food processor
    I wish you could smell this beautiful pesto right now.

    Other Sauces

    Homemade pasta sauces are delicious and impressive to serve. Whether on pizza or pasta, here are some others that I think you'll love! Oh, and don't forget about a dipping oil for your bread on the side.

    • Sunday Gravy (Spaghetti Sauce)
    • White Pizza Sauce
    • Bread Dipping Oil
    Pesto sauce in spoon over a bowl of pesto
    Make your own fresh pesto, it's so easy! Or in a pinch, use store-bought.

    More Pesto and Sauce Ideas

    Here's a stellar recipe to use fresh pesto, Four P Salad, it's delicious and perfect next to grilled burgers, chicken or as a side dish any time.

    Are you on the lookout for a good pasta sauce? You must try my Tomato-Cream Sauce. Like this pesto recipe, it's super easy to make and despite having "cream" in the name, don't worry about calorie overload. It's a cream sauce that's actually light on the cream, but heavy on flavor from fire-roasted tomatoes. 

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    Be sure to give a star rating to the recipes you make from the Crinkled Cookbook. I always love hearing from you. Sharing is great too! Use the buttons after the recipe to text it with just one click or send it to family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy.

    Pesto sauce in spoon over a bowl of pesto

    Fresh Pesto

    Bright, fresh and full of basil, this pesto is different than most thanks to a cup of spinach and a few leaves of fresh mint. I think you will agree, this pesto brings out the best in any pasta, pizza crust or as a topping for a slice of crusty bread. It's easy to make in the food processor and is ready to serve in minutes.
    5 from 55 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 242kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Equipment

    • food processor

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups fresh basil
    • 1 cup fresh spinach
    • 1 tablespoon fresh mint - about three large mint leaves
    • ⅓ cup pine nuts
    • ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • freshly ground pepper to taste - or about ¼ teaspoon
    • ¼ cup olive oil

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients, except the olive oil in a food processor and blend until you get the ingredients chopped into very small pieces. Add the olive oil and blend again until smooth. Use with pasta, on pizza or as a spread on warm bread. 
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @crinkledcookbook and follow me today!

    Notes

    Here's a stellar recipe to use fresh pesto, Four P Salad, it's delicious and perfect next to grilled burgers, chicken or as a side dish any time. Are you on the lookout for a good pasta sauce? You must try my Tomato-Cream Sauce. Like this pesto recipe, it's super easy to make and despite having "cream" in the name, don't worry about calorie overload. It's a cream sauce that's actually light on the cream, but heavy on flavor from fire-roasted tomatoes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 6gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 426mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1461IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

    More Sauces, Toppings, Dips and Dressings

    • Sunday Gravy (Spaghetti Sauce)
    • Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
    • White Pizza Sauce
    • Tomato-Cream Sauce

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    Hello friends! Welcome. I'm Melinda. I'm a home cook and I've been creating recipes for more than 30 years. I'm excited to share recipes and techniques to help you enjoy cooking too. I'm a former TV journalist and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Stick around and click around and let's make great meals at home!

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